Cauliflower Kurma is a classic South Indian delicacy that beautifully combines the subtle crunch of cauliflower with a rich, aromatic coconut-based gravy. This dish is a celebration of traditional Indian spices and fresh ingredients, making it a perfect vegetarian option for any meal.
Whether you’re planning a festive feast or a comforting weekday dinner, cauliflower kurma offers a deliciously creamy, mildly spiced flavor profile that pleases both the palate and the soul. The best part?
It’s not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious food lovers.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe to make authentic cauliflower kurma at home. From grinding fresh spices to simmering the curry to perfection, you’ll find everything you need to whip up this Indian favorite.
Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience. Ready to dive into this flavorful journey?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cauliflower Kurma is a dish that ticks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. The creamy coconut gravy with a blend of fragrant spices complements the mild cauliflower, creating a balance that is both comforting and exciting.
This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can be easily adapted for vegan diets by using oil instead of ghee.
Additionally, kurma is a staple in Indian households, making it a nostalgic dish for many. It’s great for meal prep as the flavors deepen over time, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads or rice.
If you enjoy dishes like this, you might also want to explore other delightful recipes such as Horse Cough Syrup Recipe for wellness, or add some protein with Lamb Tenderloin Recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head (cut into florets)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut (or desiccated coconut)
- 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- Water as needed
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the spice paste: In a dry pan over medium heat, roast the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and cumin seeds until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Grind the paste: In a blender, add the roasted spices, grated coconut, cashew nuts, and green chilies. Grind to a smooth paste by adding a little water as needed. Set aside.
- Sauté the base: Heat oil or ghee in the pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Toss in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Combine the paste and cook: Add the ground coconut-spice paste to the pan. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cauliflower florets: Add the cauliflower florets and stir to coat them well with the kurma masala. Pour in water (about 1 cup) to help cook the cauliflower and create a gravy.
- Simmer: Cover the pan and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle garam masala over the kurma, mix gently, and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust salt and consistency by adding water if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, chapati, or paratha.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, use fresh coconut and freshly roasted spices. If fresh coconut isn’t available, unsweetened desiccated coconut works well too!”
- You can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes to make a mixed vegetable kurma.
- For a vegan version, substitute ghee with coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the cashews lightly before grinding.
- To add a little tang, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving works wonders.
- Serve with Lemon Straws Recipe for a complete festive meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower Kurma is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many Indian staples. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice for a classic meal.
Indian breads such as chapati, naan, or paratha complement the creamy kurma and make for a delightful meal.
For a festive touch, pair your kurma with a cooling cucumber raita or a tangy pickle. To explore more exciting side dishes, check out Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or a refreshing Halibut Dip Recipe for your next gathering.
Conclusion
Cauliflower Kurma is a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of India, combining simple ingredients to create a flavorful and wholesome dish. Its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and subtle sweetness from coconut make it a winning recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions.
This recipe is not only delicious but also accessible to cooks of all skill levels, encouraging you to experiment with spices and vegetables.
Once you master this cauliflower kurma, it can easily become a regular feature in your meal rotation, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. Don’t forget to explore other Indian recipes on the blog, like the hearty Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the sweet and tangy Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.
Happy cooking and enjoy the delicious journey of Indian flavors!
📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Kurma Veg Recipe of India
Description: A flavorful South Indian curry made with cauliflower and a rich blend of spices and coconut. This kurma is creamy, mildly spiced, and perfect with rice or chapati.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and add mustard seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies; sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Grind coconut and cashews into a smooth paste with little water.
- Add the coconut-cashew paste, coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cauliflower florets and salt; mix well.
- Pour yogurt and water; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 18 g
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